Why Do I Need An Expert Fabricator?

A properly fabricated and installed countertop will provide decades of beauty, performance, and durability. An expert fabricator can maximize the beauty of the countertop surface by offering creative design layouts and sophisticated edge options for a variety of surfaces. Each type of surface has different characteristics that require special fabrication methods. For example, Corian recommends that a fabricator needs to be aware of factors such as random direction veining, veining pattern changes, edges appearing different than the surface top, and shade changes through the thickness of the slab.

The Right Tools for the Job

An expert fabricator must have the equipment and an experienced staff to produce higher-end edge profiles such as mitered edge profiles, stacked edges and seamless waterfall edges. Surface One uses custom software to create a 3D digital image of the slab material that is dimensionally accurate and includes color variation and veinings. The project layout is then applied to the slab to create a full-color 3D picture of the project. You will be able to view every seam, every vein and every variation of color on the computer. What you see, is what you get! There are no surprises.

The Surface One Robots

While 3D imaging software is very sophisticated, the bright yellow Surface One robots steal the show in the fabrication process. Who doesn’t love robots, especially when they are named after our favorite minions, Stuart and Bob?

The robots artfully perform skillful cuts to make sure every countertop section is the proper size and every edge is cut with precision. The combination of state-of-the-art software and robotics allows Surface One to deliver high quality designs crafted from exquisite materials.

Have questions? Take a look at our project galleries for photographs of our work. Countertops can last a lifetime, make sure you receive the quality you desire by contacting the expert fabricators at Surface One.

Surface One custom fabricates and installs beautiful and unique surfaces for residential and commercial projects. Located in Pelham, AL, Surface One has been in business since 1999. We are a leading source for custom fabricated countertops. Surface One fabricates natural stone, quartz, solid surface and specialty surfaces for residential and commercial clients. The Surface One design team can accommodate the design and budget requirements of any project. The talented designers offer styles, colors, materials and pricing options including rare surfaces for high impact design and renewable surfaces to meet Green Building and LEED standards.

A mitered edge creates a seamless edge between the top of the countertop and a second piece of stone to create a specialty edge or to join a waterfall panel. The mitered seam allows the pattern to “wrap” from the horizontal surface to the vertical surface. The countertop slab material must be expertly cut at a 45 degree angle and perfectly mounted for the pattern of the stone to remain consistent.

How Is It Used?

Mitered edges are commonly used to create a seamless flow from a countertop slab to a waterfall panel that extends to the floor. A mitered edge can also be used to add more stone to the underside of a countertop slab creating a distinguished look through the illusion of a thicker slab.

Mitered edges can be used to hide the support structure underneath an island or to make smooth transitions between different level bar tops.

Mitered edge bar top during fabrication

Where is it Used?

Mitered edges are very common in commercial projects and are continuing to become more popular for residential use. Many fabricators are not comfortable fabricating a mitered edge and they may try to steer you to a stacked edge instead.

Stacked edges are very popular, but you need to be certain that it is the look you want. A stacked edge may often be inconspicuous, but not invisible. Look for more information about stacked edges in our upcoming article “What is a Stacked Edge?”.

Mitered edge bathroom countertop

How is it Cut?

A skilled fabricator cuts the edges of the stone at a 45 degree angle to form a frame of the slab material around the sides to make the slab look thicker. The seam should almost be invisible and the pattern of the material should flow from top to side with little variation in the pattern. It is difficult to achieve a crisp line without the proper tools and equipment, such as edging machinery. Many fabricators and installers choose not to offer a mitered edge because of the complexity of the process. If you wish to have a mitered edge you will want to hire an expert fabricator.

An example of special edging equipment

What is a Laminated Edge?

Laminate edge refers to the process of gluing pieces of stone together to create a variety of edge profiles including mitered edges, stacked edges, and drop edges.

The lamination process can be used to create more sophisticated edge profiles, such as layering an Ogee Edge over a Full Bullnose Edge. This has nothing to do with traditional laminate countertops.

Mitered Edge Restaurant Bar Top at Brixx Pizza, Hoover, Alabama.

Making the Right Decision

Many fabricators do not offer mitered edges due to the difficulty and expertise needed to properly miter a stone edge. Surface One has extensive experience with mitering edges for commercial and residential projects. Both natural stone and quartz countertop materials can be mitered as well.

There is no wrong selection when it comes to choosing an edge profile. Contact Surface One and our design team will help you select the perfect countertop material and edge profile for your project.

Surface One custom fabricates and installs beautiful and unique surfaces for residential and commercial projects. Located in Pelham, AL, Surface One has been in business since 1999. We are a leading source for custom fabricated countertops. Surface One fabricates natural stone, quartz, solid surface and specialty surfaces for residential and commercial clients. The Surface One design team can accommodate the design and budget requirements of any project. The talented designers offer styles, colors, materials and pricing options including rare surfaces for high impact design and renewable surfaces to meet Green Building and LEED standards.